Almond Cookies

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups shortening or butter, room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp almond extract
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 36 whole almonds

Egg Wash

• 1 whole egg
• 1 egg yolk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Mix shortening, sugar, almond extract, and whole egg in a large mixing bowl until well blended.
3. Combine dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Mix with your fingers until a dough forms.
4. Roll dough into 1-inch balls. Set them 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Place an almond on top of each cookie and press down to flatten slightly.
5. Bake in the preheated oven until the edges of the cookies are golden brown, 15 to 18 minutes. Brush each ball with beaten egg mixture.
6. Cool for 10 minutes and remove from cookie sheet with a spatula.